The proposal for a swimming pool on Stony Brook Lane dominated the meeting as the Zoning Board considered a C1 variance for its construction within the front yard setback in the R1T zone. The pool’s planned location within a riparian buffer zone triggered concerns about tree removal and noise disturbance for nearby residences. The applicant’s representative provided plans, including a stormwater management strategy approved by municipal engineers.

Ms. Gonzalez, testifying on behalf of her family, emphasized their intent to return to Princeton and maintain the landscape’s unique aesthetic, characterized by distinctive trees. Board members scrutinized the application thoroughly, focusing on the environmental impact and the necessity of removing four trees, which would require municipal arborist permits. The board also examined alternative pool placements and the potential repercussions of tree removal on the property’s privacy and noise levels.

Despite assurances that all necessary permits were in place, board members raised concerns about the pool’s proximity to a neighbor’s home. The board solicited further input and kept the public hearing open, signaling the need for additional community engagement and environmental assessment.

In another notable case, the board discussed a request from Christopher and Young Sha Terina to construct an ADU on Mount Lucas Road. The proposal involved a 1,390-square-foot unit within the front yard setback, featuring a walkout basement and additional parking. Zoning officer Mr. Bridger confirmed the board’s jurisdiction over the application, while the applicant’s representative, Ryan Kennedy, argued the property’s unique constraints justified the variance.

The Terinas expressed their desire to build the ADU to accommodate Christopher’s parents, highlighting the family’s emotional connection to the project due to his mother’s declining health. The board considered the environmental challenges posed by the property’s steep slopes, wetlands, and mature trees, which limited viable construction sites.

The discussion included the necessity of preserving the natural landscape and ensuring the ADU’s placement minimized environmental disruption. Traffic safety concerns also arose, particularly regarding vehicle egress onto Mount Lucas Road. The board explored the feasibility of a turnaround space to enhance safety and prevent backing onto the road.

In addressing another case, the board reviewed an application to reconstruct a garage on Lee Avenue. The property, located in the Witherspoon Jackson historic district, required setback variances and historic preservation plan approval. The applicant faced challenges due to non-compliance with current zoning regulations and previous unauthorized demolition of the garage. The board emphasized the need for clarity regarding property access and maintenance, given the garage’s proximity to university-owned land.

The meeting also featured deliberations on a rear porch construction on John Street, where the owner sought a variance due to non-compliance with zoning regulations. The board balanced the homeowner’s accessibility needs against neighborhood privacy concerns, ultimately approving the deck with stipulations to address a lattice height issue.